Big cast of bikers to vie in PRUride

MANILA, Philippines — A total of P1 million in cash prizes and six slots for an all-expense paid trip to London will be up for grabs when Pru Life UK hold the PRUride Phl 2018 set from Jan. 11-14 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales and on Jan. 21 next year at the McKinley West in Taguig City.

Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK senior vice president and chief marketing officer, yesterday said in a press conference at The Brewery in Uptown BGC that he expects over 5,000 participants to sign up and compete in several categories including the elite division – pro individual time trial-and the non-professional riders – amateur ITT, Gran Fondo and the “Brompton Challenge.”

No less than Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Marella Salamat and national team mainstay George Oconer are spearheading the cast that also include some of the country’s top riders as well as from Southeast Asia.

Seasoned campaigner Ronnel Hualda, one of the country’s representatives to the London main event last year, was also present and is expected to race.

“More than a gathering of the country’s most passionate cyclists, PRUride Phl 2018 continues Pru Life UK’s commitment to promote responsible and safe cycling,” said Tumbaga. “We also hope to increase awareness on cycling as an alternative mode of transportation so we can all work towards having a safe and environment-friendly community for the generations to come.”

The event also teamed up with PhilCycling represented by deputy secretary-general Camila Sumagui and newly appointed director for track and road races Jun Lomibao that should give the race national and international flavor.

PRUride Phl 2018 will also bring in the popular and exciting Brompton Challenge to the country for the first time as it will showcase two main events – the Slowest Lap Challenge and the Brompton Criterium.